Focus on AFI Conservatory - The Motions
A conflicted paramedic struggles to maintain focus in her life after her terminally ill husband requests help in ending his.
Interview with Writer/Director Frank Donnangelo
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I think for me, the seed for this story stemmed from a conversation I had with a family member not wanting to go see their terminally ill mother in the hospital, because visiting would only confirm that reality for them, and rather than deal with those feelings of loss, it was easier to pretend it wasn’t happening. Now some might say, “Wow, what a terrible thing to do to their own mother?” and perhaps so, but I’d argue that was human to have that feeling. It made me reflect on the times in my life where I’ve chosen avoidance rather than confronting inevitable moments or decisions.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The Motions is about putting off the hard decisions—as if putting it off will make the problem go away. Another way to put it is “avoiding the inevitable”—as if avoiding will make the problem go away. We’ve all been there, and that’s why I think a lot of people might relate to this film. It’s that connection to our personal experience. That one where if we wait long enough, the problem will hopefully fix itself or go away. But it usually never does, so yeah…we must make a decision. I hope in viewing, that there’s a comfort, or empathy that comes from this story.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Whether it’s the, “We need to talk” conversation of an impending breakup or divorce, or even the news of losing a loved one, we often tend to deflect, ignore or even avoid the confrontation altogether, as if by not acknowledging the issue will make the issue go away. We will bury ourselves in our work, or in a bottle, or seek solace in another, whatever it may be, but in the end we’re just delaying the inevitable. Although terminal illness plays a part in this film, The Motions is very much a story about relationships, more specifically the end of a relationship, and asks the viewer if the one you love wants out, are you prepared to let go.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. It's been great to see how people connect and engage with the themes of the story. The film itself has been nominated for several "Best of" awards and won a few as well (Best Short Film at Flickers Rhode Island Int. Film Festival and Best Short Film at the Williamsburg Int. Film Festival)!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'm hoping to have the film expand to a larger audience - for more people to see and potentially connect with it.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I've been spending the time over Covid to finish a few feature scripts as well as query a few managers for representation.
Interview: September 2021
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
The Motions
Length:
15:51
Writer/Director
Frank Donnangelo
Producer
Luca Miano
Key cast:
Yaz Canli (Mara), Lane Compton (Jonathan), Charles Maceo (Connor)
Looking for:
distributors
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/frankdonnangelo/
Made in association with:
AFI Conservatory